How to set up a tent

Before leaving for your trip, be sure you’re comfortable setting up — and taking down — your tent. That means reading the instruction booklet and getting plenty of practice. Here are a few tips for when you’re ready to pitch your tent:

At the campsite, choose a level spot that drains well.

Remove stones and sticks, but don’t disturb the natural ground cover.

Always look for signs of creepy critters.

Spread out your tent’s footprint, or a ground cloth, to protect the tent floor from moisture, sharp objects and dirt.

Unfold the tent on top of the footprint. Pull out the corners of the floor and stake them to the ground, then assemble the poles and put them in place.

Use taut line hitches to tie the free ends of guylines around stakes you’ve pushed into the ground, and pull the lines tight.

Put a rain fly over the tent, and stake it down.

After camping, remember to air out your tent before packing it away. Ensuring it is dry will prevent mildew.